When to visit Tanzania?

Many travellers ask us when the best time is to visit Tanzania. The answer is … there is not one right answer. It depends on what you want to see, where you want to go, your budget and interests. Every time of the year has its pros and cons. Some people will prefer to visit Tanzania during the dry season, when roads are better, it doesn’t rain and you can see a lot of wild animals. But the prices will be higher as well as the amount of tourists around you. Other people are fine with a little bit of rain and go during the wet season where you can see lots of birds and a colourful nature, for a cheaper price and with less travellers. We have made a list of all pro’s in the dry and wet season in Tanzania. We hope that it will help you to make your choice. Everyone is different, there is no correct choice. A Tanzania Travel is beautiful the whole year!

Dry season

The dry season starts in June and ends in October and also runs from December to March. Most popular months for a safari in Tanzania are during the dry months from June to October.  The pros of travelling during this dry season:

  • Wildlife gathers around rivers and waterholes (easier to spot)
  • Pleasant temperatures of 25-27 °C (sunny and no rain)
  • July/Aug are great months to see the wildebeest migration and epic river crossings
  • There are less mosquitoes
  • The roads are better and game drives easier
  • Best time to visit the southern parks. Northern parks can be visited all-year.
  • Cool temperatures from evening to early morning
  • Clear blue skies
  • Best conditions to climb Kilimanjaro are during the dry months

Wet season

The wet season (also called rainy season) runs from October to December and from March to June. The pros of traveling during this wet season:

  • Nature is colourful (flowers in bloom, forest and grass is green)
  • The parks in North Tanzania offer good all-year wildlife viewing
  • January to February is the time to see the calving in the southern Serengeti which attracts large numbers of predators
  • Bird watching at its best
  • The game is in good condition
  • Lower rates make it a cheaper safari
  • Parks are less crowded with other visitors, more intimate safari experience

If the wildebeest migration is the main reason you visit Tanzania, it is important to know where the herds are at what time.

Low, mid and high season in Tanazania

Tanzania has three different holiday seasons:

High-season: January, February, June till October and December. This season is the most popular by tourist and therefore hotels charge the highest rates. Some hotels charge a peak-rate from December 22nd until January 10th.

Mid-season: March, November 1st – December 21th.

Low-season: April and May. This season is the least popular and therefore hotels charge the lowest rat

Pros and Cons of High, Mid, and Low Seasons

Tanzania offers incredible safari experiences year-round, but each season has its unique advantages and challenges. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during the high, mid, and low seasons:

High Season (June to October)

Pros:

  • Best Wildlife Viewing: This is the dry season, making it easier to spot animals as they gather around water sources. The Great Migration is in full swing in the Serengeti, offering spectacular opportunities to witness massive herds of wildebeests and zebras.
  • Pleasant Weather: The weather is typically sunny and dry, making it comfortable for safaris and outdoor activities.
  • Minimal Mosquitoes: The dry conditions mean fewer mosquitoes, reducing the risk of malaria.

Cons:

  • Higher Prices: This is peak tourist season, so prices for accommodations, flights, and tours are at their highest.
  • Crowded Parks: Popular parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater can be quite crowded with tourists.

Mid Season (November to February)

Pros:

  • Good Wildlife Viewing: Animals are still relatively easy to spot, especially in the early part of this season. The Serengeti sees the calving season, with many newborn animals.
  • Fewer Crowds: There are fewer tourists compared to the high season, offering a more relaxed experience.
  • Migratory Birds: This period is excellent for birdwatching as migratory birds arrive in Tanzania.

Cons:

  • Unpredictable Weather: The weather can be less predictable, with occasional short rains, especially in November and December.
  • High Prices: Prices are still relatively high, though slightly lower than in the peak season.

Low Season (March to May)

Pros:

  • Lower Prices: This is the off-season, so you can find significant discounts on accommodations and tours.
  • Lush Landscapes: The rainy season transforms the landscapes into lush, green scenery, which can be incredibly beautiful.
  • Fewer Tourists: The parks are much less crowded, providing a more intimate safari experience.

Cons:

  • Heavy Rains: This is the peak of the rainy season, which can lead to muddy roads and more challenging travel conditions. Some lodges and camps close during this period.
  • Difficult Wildlife Viewing: Dense vegetation and plentiful water sources can make it harder to spot animals.

Summary

  • High Season (June to October): Ideal for wildlife viewing and pleasant weather, but expect higher costs and crowded parks.  
  • Weather: Sunny and dry with clear skies.
  • Temperatures: Moderate, typically ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
  • Highlights: Ideal for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources; minimal mosquitoes.
    • Mid Season (November to February): A good balance with fewer crowds and good wildlife viewing, but be prepared for some rain and still relatively high prices.
    • ROZDELIT    
    • November to December  
    • Weather: Short, intermittent rains with a mix of sunny days.
    • Temperatures: Warm, generally between 25°C and 32°C (77°F to 90°F).
    • Highlights: Lush green landscapes; fewer tourists.
  • January to February
  • Weather: Hot and humid with occasional rains.
  • Temperatures: Can reach up to 35°C (95°F) in some areas.
  • Highlights: Excellent birdwatching; calving season in the Serengeti.
  • Low Season (March to May): Best for budget travelers and those seeking solitude, but the heavy rains can impact travel plans and wildlife visibility.  Weather: Heavy and prolonged rains.  
  • Temperatures: Warm, ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
  • Highlights: Lush scenery, fewer tourists, but some roads and lodges may be inaccessible.

Each season offers a unique perspective of Tanzania’s natural beauty, so the best time to visit depends on your priorities, whether it’s wildlife viewing, budget or avoiding crowds.  

Witnessing Nature’s Grand Spectacle: The Great Migration in Tanzania

Imagine standing on the vast plains of the Serengeti, surrounded by millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles stretching as far as the eye can see. This is the Great Migration, one of the most spectacular natural events on Earth. Join us as we delve into the awe-inspiring phenomenon of the Great Migration in Tanzania.

The Phenomenon of the Great Migration

The Great Migration is a yearly journey of over two million wildebeests, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras, gazelles, and other herbivores, as they trek across the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing lands and water sources. This epic migration spans over 1,200 miles, covering the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya.

The Cycle of the Migration

The migration follows a circular route, driven by the changing seasons and the quest for food and water. It begins in the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area around December, where the herds gather to give birth to their young during the calving season. As the rains subside and the grasslands dry up, the herds begin their northward journey towards the western corridor and the Grumeti River, facing perilous river crossings and encounters with predators along the way. By July, they reach the northern Serengeti and cross into the Maasai Mara, before eventually returning to the southern Serengeti by October, completing the cycle.

Spectacular Wildlife Encounters

The Great Migration offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing. Witness the heart-stopping river crossings, where thousands of animals brave crocodile-infested waters in a bid to reach the other side. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas lie in wait, ready to seize the opportunity for a meal. The sheer abundance of wildlife creates a sensory overload, with sights, sounds, and smells that will stay with you forever.

Best Times to Experience the Migration

  • Calving Season (January to March): Witness the miracle of new life as thousands of wildebeest calves are born on the southern Serengeti plains.
  • River Crossings (June to August): Experience the drama of river crossings as the herds navigate the treacherous waters of the Grumeti and Mara rivers.
  • Return Journey (September to October): Catch the herds as they make their way back south, encountering dramatic river crossings once again.

Tips for an Unforgettable Experience

  • Plan Ahead: Book your safari with Simply Tanzania Tours well in advance, especially if you’re targeting specific migration highlights.
  • Choose the Right Accommodation: Stay in lodges or tented camps strategically located near river crossing points or in prime wildlife viewing areas.  Simply Tanzania Tours will  be happy to help you with choosing the right accomodation.   
  • Be Patient: Wildlife sightings are unpredictable, so be prepared to spend time waiting for the action to unfold.
  • Respect Nature: Observe wildlife from a safe distance and follow your guide’s instructions to minimize disturbance.

The Great Migration is a testament to the resilience and wonder of nature. To witness this grand spectacle is to be humbled by the sheer scale of life and death, struggle and survival that unfolds before your eyes. Join us with Simply Tanzania Tours for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Serengeti and experience the magic of the Great Migration firsthand.